Binge Fall Shows Without Compromising Health
By Brandi Swieter
The fall season sees an increase in television viewing with new shows starting and old shows returning for their next installments. Binge watching isn't the healthiest activity but it can be made healthier if people make a few simple changes. Several ways exist to binge fall shows without compromising health.
Watch Portion Sizes of Snacks
Too many people bring an entire bag of popcorn, chips, or another snack to the couch when they're ready to watch a show. Doing this makes it easier to consume a large quantity. It's better to create proper portion sizes of snacks before bringing them out to the living room. Individuals can divide a bag of chips into smaller Ziploc baggies, for example, and only grab one for the night.
Choose Healthier Snacks
Skipping the chips altogether is a much better idea. Healthier snacks need to get chosen on a regular basis, including while watching TV. Binge watchers should cut up some apples to dip in peanut butter or bring out a fruit and cheese tray if they want a healthier snack option to keep them energized enough to continue watching their favorite fall obsessions. Unhealthy snacks tend to leave people feeling sluggish and tired, causing people to fall asleep and miss the shows they were wanting so badly to watch.
Have a Bottle of Water Nearby
Having an alcoholic beverage or soda pop is a common practice when watching TV in many households. People are bound to get thirsty, especially while enjoying snacks, so having a drink nearby is necessary. It's best to keep a bottle of water close by so this is the go-to drink of choice. People are more likely to drink the water next to them if they need a quick drink than returning to the fridge for another beer or pop.
Stay Active While Watching
Sitting down and watching one episode of a show may be fine, but a binge-watching session shouldn't be done seated. It's important to stay active while watching TV because sitting too long can cause a slew of health problems. People should either use a piece of gym equipment for the duration of the show, such as a treadmill, or use the commercial breaks to get up and stretch or take a short walk to the other room.
Anyone ready for a night of bingeing should be sure to make some changes to ensure a healthier watching habit. Watching TV is fine in moderation, and creating a more health-conscious atmosphere when viewing helps make it even better.
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